README - _seeker_bot (telegram_screenshot_bot)

A Telegram bot that captures desktop screenshots remotely.
Run it on your PC and send /capture via Telegram to receive an instant image of your current desktop.

---

Files Overview

• .env file: Contains the TOKEN necessary for authenticating the Telegram bot.
• _seeker_main.py: The main Python script that runs the Telegram bot.
• start_bot.bat: A batch file that allows you to run the Python script in CMD.
• requirements.txt: List of Python dependencies.

Note: The .exe file was removed due to issues.

---

Setup Instructions (Step-by-Step A-Z Guide)

1. Create Your Telegram Bot

1. Open Telegram and search for @BotFather.
2. Start a chat with it and send the command /newbot.
3. Follow the prompts: give your bot a name and a username (must end with _bot).
4. BotFather will give you an API Token (format like 123456:ABC-DEF1234ghIkl-zyx57W2v1u123ew11).
   Copy and save this token securely.

2. Prepare the .env File

1. In the project folder, create a new file named exactly .env.
2. Open it with Notepad (or any text editor) and add this single line:
   TOKEN={Telegram bot token goes here}
   (Replace {Telegram bot token goes here} with the token you received from BotFather).
3. Save the file.

3. Install Required Packages

1. Make sure Python is installed on your PC (download from python.org if needed).
2. Open Command Prompt (CMD) and navigate to the project folder (use cd path\to\folder).
3. Run this command:
   python -m pip install -r requirements.txt

⚠️ Python 3.14+ Compatibility Note: If the bot instantly crashes on startup with a typing.Union or AttributeError, your local packages are outdated for your newer Python version. Force an update by running:

pip install --upgrade python-telegram-bot httpcore httpx

4. Run the Bot (Critical Instructions)

1. You must keep a Command Prompt / Terminal window open at all times. Closing the window will stop the bot and prevent screenshots from working.
2. Double-click start_bot.bat (recommended), OR run this command in CMD:
   python _seeker_main.py
3. The terminal will show "Running bot now..." — leave this window open/minimized.
4. Important limitations:
   • Do not run this on a server, VPS, or any headless environment.
   • Do not use Task Scheduler, Auto-Start services, or run it in the background without an active logged-in Windows desktop session.
   • These methods usually result in black/empty screenshots because pyscreenshot needs a real graphical desktop environment.

5. How to Use the Bot

• Open Telegram and start a chat with your bot (search by the username you created).
• Send /start → Bot will reply with a welcome message.
• Send /capture → Bot will capture the current desktop screenshot and send it back to you.

---

Video Walkthrough

telcap_bot-guide_p.mp4

---

Important Information

.env File

Without a correctly configured .env file, the bot will fail with the message:
You need to export TOKEN={Telegram bot token goes here}

start_bot.bat

This file helps launch the script. Keep the resulting terminal window open — it is required for the bot to function properly.

---

Disclaimer

Read this README carefully before use.
This tool is intended for personal use on your own PC only.
I am not responsible for any security issues, misuse, or problems that may arise.

Created by: Sevenplx / Chemitha Sathsilu